[ LETTER ]

Thank You Mr. and Mrs. Patel

Published: Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 12:06 a.m.

Last Modified: Sunday, February 3, 2013 at 12:06 a.m.

Recently, for the first time ever, I locked my keys in my car. I was fortunate to be in the parking lot of the Dunkin' Donuts on U.S. 98 South in Lakeland. The business owners, Mr. and Mrs. Patel, called AAA for me and made sure I was comfortably in my car after the technician retrieved the keys.

I once read a paraphrased quote in The Ledger by Mother Teresa. "Kindness is everyone's ordinary duty. Ordinary because it is no big deal. Duty because there is no way around it." I have noticed that since becoming disabled, not everyone is familiar with that quote.

The Patels must live it because they really treated me with such kindness and in a fashion that led me to know this is the way they are naturally. Thank you to the Patels for making a potentially terrible experience endurable.

<p>Recently, for the first time ever, I locked my keys in my car. I was fortunate to be in the parking lot of the Dunkin' Donuts on U.S. 98 South in Lakeland. The business owners, Mr. and Mrs. Patel, called AAA for me and made sure I was comfortably in my car after the technician retrieved the keys.</p><p>I once read a paraphrased quote in The Ledger by Mother Teresa. "Kindness is everyone's ordinary duty. Ordinary because it is no big deal. Duty because there is no way around it." I have noticed that since becoming disabled, not everyone is familiar with that quote.</p><p>The Patels must live it because they really treated me with such kindness and in a fashion that led me to know this is the way they are naturally. Thank you to the Patels for making a potentially terrible experience endurable.</p><p>SHIRLEY POLK</p><p>Lakeland</p>